Picking A POS System: What's on the Market Today
SHARENo matter what your retail business sells, you need a point-of-sale (POS) system to take and record transactions. And having the right POS system in place can have a huge impact on your store.
How? A robust POS system can:
- Track inventory and alert you to shrinkage issues
- Help you run the store remotely
- Track coupons and other promotions
- Speed up checkouts and cut down on pricing errors
- Free up staff to focus on customer service responsibilities
When you’re shopping for a POS system, you should invest in one that fits the whole package: your company’s needs, work processes, products and goals. Take a look at a few of the options on the market today and what they can offer your retail small business.
Hardware
POS system hardware comes in several forms, from a basic analog cash register to a sleek, modern wireless system. Here’s an overview of today’s POS system hardware options, including typical inclusions for each option:
| System | Details |
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Better |
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Best |
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Software
POS software is where many of the most common systems really shine. Although basic POS software typically generates revenue reports and little else, intermediate and advanced systems offer powerful integration with inventory management, customer information and bookkeeping.
Many top POS software solutions on the market today are Web-based or cloud-based. These virtual POS software options allow you to access your POS system via the Internet — letting you track, analyze and tweak inventory and trends from anywhere in the world. Virtual POS software can be particularly convenient if you operate an e-commerce portal alongside your physical locations, unifying companywide data into a single dashboard.
The Right POS System for You
Your POS system is essential for operating your business and can have implications on your customer experience and brand. Consider the spectrum of POS systems and be sure to select a solution that fits your operational needs.